In the End-Times, Will Followers of Christ be Killed? The Perspective That You Must Know.

Posted May 18, 2025 | End Times Watch

I’d like to write this post and be “Quite Frank” about a topic that many believers choose to ignore, or simply not think about…because it can produce some anxiety, and fear.

I’ve learned one of the very best solutions in dealing with anxiety is called exposure therapy. To discuss the anxiety producing event in great detail and let it play out all of the way through. This way we KNOW what might come, we have time to prepare for it, and we will also know the things that we can do TODAY to minimize that fear produced. This is a very therapeutic way to “Manage our Emotions.”

If you haven’t already learned, Jesus Christ is planning to come to the earth and Rapture His followers by lifting us up into the air to be with Him in the clouds…FOREVER! He is rescuing us from the Great Wrath that God has planned to pour out upon the earth. God’s wrath is not intended for His followers, and has provided this “Rescue” to keep us out of the way for what will come to the earth.

We have also learned that the most likely time for this rapture to occur will be about 3.5 years after the start of the 7-year Tribulation Period.

We know that the 7-year Tribulation period begins when Israel and surrounding countries sign a 7-year peace agreement, allowing a new temple to be built upon the “Temple Mount” location in Israel. (If you need to catch up, please read some of my prior writings about the end-times.)

So today, I’d like to discuss what the scriptures say about the Followers of Jesus Christ, and the meaning of “…shall suffer persecution.” Let’s learn about it first, then we can talk about what we can do to minimize the anxiety and deal with what has been written that is causing you stress.

Here’s what the KJV of the Bible says about the trials believers will endure before the rapture.

“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” — 2 Timothy 3:12 (KJV)

The modern church often paints the Christian life as peaceful and protected, but the Bible paints a different picture—for those living in the end times. The Word of God, in the King James Version, warns that true followers of Christ will be hated, betrayed, hunted, and even (some) killed before the return of Jesus.

It’s quite normal that reading these words might give pause for worry, and concern. Yet, as we break this down, you will see that this is already happening right now, and has been since Jesus Christ was on the earth. It’s important to see this in that perspective.

Let’s break down what’s coming for the righteous, and why spiritual endurance is more critical now than ever.

“Ye shall be hated of all nations”

Matthew 24:9 (KJV)
“Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill (some of) you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.”

Jesus was not vague about the future. In His end-time teaching, He said the righteous would be delivered up to affliction, possibly killed, and universally hated—simply for being associated with His name.

This isn’t just persecution. It’s a global assault on those who dare to live holy in a wicked world.

When I say that it’s already happening, and has happened since Christ’s time, here are just a few recent examples:

Democratic Republic of the Congo

• Kasanga Massacre (February 2025): Militants from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), affiliated with ISIS, abducted and beheaded 70 Christians in a Protestant church in North Kivu. The victims were tied up and executed with machetes.

• Ongoing Violence: Since Christmas Day 2024, over 100 Christians have been killed in northeastern DRC by Islamist militants. The Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) claimed responsibility for attacks in Lubero and Ituri provinces, where victims were stabbed or shot, and homes were burned.

Nigeria

• Zike Village Attack (April 2025): Suspected Fulani Muslim herders attacked the predominantly Christian farming community of Zike in Plateau State, killing at least 40 people, including children and the elderly.

• Widespread Persecution: Nigeria remains one of the most dangerous places for Christians. In 2023, approximately 82% of Christians killed for their faith worldwide were in Nigeria. Reports indicate that over 8,000 Nigerian Christians were killed or abducted from January 2023 to January 2024.

Syria

• Post-Regime Violence (2025): Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024, over 1,000 Christians have been killed in sectarian violence. The new Islamist-led government, dominated by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has been implicated in targeting religious minorities, including Christians

Pakistan

• Jaranwala Church Arsons (August 2023): An armed mob set fire to at least 26 churches and numerous Christian homes in Jaranwala, Punjab, following accusations of Quran desecration by two Christian men. Over 100 individuals were arrested in connection with the attacks.

India

• Hindu Extremist Violence (2024–2025): Attacks on Christians have surged, particularly in Chhattisgarh, where Hindu nationalist rallies have incited violence. Incidents include forced conversions and public assaults on Christians.

Philippines

• Mindanao State University Bombing (December 2023): An Islamic State-linked group detonated a bomb during a Catholic Mass at Mindanao State University in Marawi, killing four and injuring 72. Pope Francis recognized the victims as martyrs.

Betrayal Will Come from Within

Matthew 24:10 (KJV)
“And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.”

As pressure mounts, even some families and fellow believers will turn on each other. Fear, deception, and spiritual compromise will lead many to abandon their faith—and those who don’t will become targets.

Luke 21:16 (KJV)
“And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends…”

Martyrdom of the Faithful

Revelation 6:9 (KJV)
“I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held.”

Many believers will lose their lives for their testimony. These are the Tribulation martyrs—those who stood firm when it cost them everything.

They didn’t bow. They didn’t deny Christ. And heaven honors them eternally.

Satan Makes War on the Saints

Revelation 12:17 (KJV)
“And the dragon…went to make war with the remnant…which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”

Satan’s final assault targets those who refuse to compromise. This is no light oppression—it’s an all-out war. The remnant will be hunted, ridiculed, and isolated… but never abandoned by God.

So, What Can You Do?

Revelation 3:10 (KJV)
“Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation…”

This is not the time to fear—it’s the time to prepare.

Let me share the “Worst Case Scenario” with you. I would like for you to follow along with me, and place yourself in this situation as if it were happening to you.

You and Me, have been selected to be killed for doing nothing wrong, only believing in Jesus Christ. We both know of God’s love for us. We know that He would be with us at that moment, perhaps even more so than He has ever been with us before. We will feel His presence. We will feel His love, and “Protection.”

Now, pause right here for a moment and reflect upon the many stories in the bible that are examples of this situation. Remember Daniel? He was thrown into the Lions den, with the expectation from his captures that he would be killed. Because God was with him, just like he will be with you and me in the situation explained above, the lion didn’t attack…and Daniel was set free.

Our faith in God may result in a similar rescue from death. We need to not question how God will respond in our case, but we must have faith that he will guide us through.

A second possibility is one that I have thought of time and time again. (Perhaps this will happen to me.) If we again are selected to die, I know that God has the ability to shelter our minds and emotions to NOT FEAR death, as well as to be emotionally removed from the situation. God can remove our minds from what is occurring, leaving us unaware of the fear, anxiety, and pain that we might feel. Even if I were chosen to die, because of God’s protection, I might not even be aware of what is happening to me.

Let’s continue to learn about this time, but in a different type of perspective. It is time right now that we redefine the concept of death. Until now, most people have done everything possible to remain alive. When we get desperately ill, we seek any and all treatment to avoid death. This survival mechanism is hard wired into our very being. But things are different in these final days. Death does not equal separation and sadness, but rather a first-class ticket into something greater than you can even imagine.

We know that once the 7-year Tribulation period starts, all mankind will die, or be transformed within this final 7 years on earth. Not one person will be alive on this earth after that period.

Followers of Christ know that we will only live 3.5 years after the Tribulation period starts, because of the Rapture, having Jesus call us up into the clouds to be with Him. So, our mortal earth life here on this earth is 3.5 years TOPS!

And death my friend, is the simple turning of a page, which takes us from this broken world into the most glorious place that we can ever imagine. Instead of the worry of death, lets spend some time learning of what we are years away from realizing…HEAVEN!!

The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible gives us glimpses—often poetic and symbolic—of what heaven will be like. While it doesn’t offer a complete, systematic description, it paints a breathtaking vision through various books, especially in Revelation. Here’s what heaven will be like.

A Place of God’s Presence

Revelation 21:3 (KJV):

“Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.”

Heaven is where God Himself will dwell with His people. His presence will no longer be hidden or distant—it will be immediate, personal, and eternal. Can you imagine having Him there with us all of the time? Our leader, protector, teacher, and counselor.

No More Suffering or Death

Revelation 21:4 (KJV):

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

All suffering, pain, grief, and death will be gone. Heaven is a place of perfect peace, healing, and joy. We will also be resurrected or transformed into our PERFECT bodies. No more depression, anxiety, mental illness, imperfections, flaws, or embarrassing traits EVER AGAIN!!

The New Jerusalem – A Holy City

Revelation 21:18-21 (KJV):

“And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass… And the twelve gates were twelve pearls… and the street of the city was pure gold…”

Heaven is described as a magnificent, radiant city—pure and perfect, built with precious stones and gleaming with God’s glory. Streets of gold and gates of pearl signify its unmatched beauty and holiness.

I love to think how God created the earth that we now dwell upon. And, we have spent a lifetime exploring this earth to find its beauty, as well as ADVENTURES that we have found. This “New Earth” will be even more spectacular than this one. Can you just think of the how awesome that it will be to explore it, and find NEW ADVENTURES? Perhaps in doing something that we could never even have dreamed of…Skydiving without a parachute?

The Light of God Replaces the Sun

Revelation 21:23 (KJV):

“And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.”

There’s no night in heaven. God’s glory and the presence of Jesus—the Lamb—are all the light it needs.

Eternal Rest and Joy

Hebrews 4:9 (KJV):

“There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.”

Psalm 16:11 (KJV):

“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”

Heaven is a place of rest from all earthly burdens, and a place of overwhelming joy and delight in God’s presence forever.

Do I have you hooked right now? We will be living with God, pain free, in a perfect body, exploring the beauty of what He has created. We will be surrounded by loving neighbors who we will adore. There will be no confrontation or strife… Just peace. And, oh yeah… that rest that you’ve been looking for??? Well, here it is!

Worship and Fellowship with Saints and Angels

Revelation 7:9-10 (KJV):

“After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude… stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes… And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God…”

Heaven is filled with countless believers from all nations worshiping God. There is unity, music, and praise that never ends.

The River and Tree of Life

Revelation 22:1-2 (KJV):

“And he shewed me a pure river of water of life… and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life… and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.”

The imagery of life-giving water and the tree of life reminds us that heaven is not static—it’s vibrant, growing, and full of eternal vitality.

Please do not misunderstand me, nor feel that you need to act right now to get to such a place, but why wouldn’t you want to be in this environment? Wouldn’t it be reasonable to think… “The Sooner the Better!”

If I am chosen for death, I will know that I am just moments away from entering the most glorious environment possible. Death is not a loss; it is a gift in entering God’s new world that He has created for us. Death means that we will not have to suffer One More Minute of struggle, hardship, persecution, harassment, or even that nose on our face that we have always thought was too big. =) It is an immediate pass into glory, can’t you see?

I also think of this as well. My Savior died for me. He gave up His life to ensure my salvation. I have certainly done more than my share of mistakes and sin. I owe all that I have to Him for His redeeming atonement gift.

I have always thought of what I could do to repay Him for this gift. I have tried to live a Christlike life in my older years. I have tried to serve Him through serving my neighbors. And now, if I am called upon to lose my life because of my belief in Him…I WILL!!

To me, this would not be the Worst-Case Scenario, it would be an honor for me. That might sound a bit odd to some of you, but I’m certain that there are those reading this who understand what I’m saying perfectly…and with a similar commitment.

You understand the commitment of “Dying for my Country” … right? For some of us, we have learned that there is no fear, nor anxiety when thinking of the Heart-Felt dedication of “Dying for My Savior.”

It is very possible that the majority of Followers of Christ will not lose their life in these last days upon earth, due to their belief. However, I challenge you to emotionally prepare for any possibility that you might encounter. Pray about it…and then listen. God will give you the answers now so that you will feel prepared for whatever comes.

It is easy to have faith and trust in God when it’s a sunny day, but, when life gets difficult, you will need to call upon a deeper Faith and Trust. Get started today in developing that deep level which will be needed.

I can safely state that many, if not all of you, reading this article are facing difficult times in your life right now. This is God helping you “Warm Up” for the end times. Use these experiences to deepen your faith and trust in God. Pray that He will help you progress in your trust towards Him.

I have to share a quick personal example of this. Several days ago, I jumped into my truck to go for a ride. No shoes, no phone…just a quick ride for no reason. I got several miles away from home when my truck just died on the freeway. As I costed to the side of the road, I tried Vigorously to get the truck started again, but it wasn’t happening. With no phone to call, nor shoes to be able to walk for help, I just sat back to consider the situation that I was in.

A smile came on my face, for I realized that I was once again in need for my God to help me out. I called Him. I thanked Him for this ‘practice round’ of faith and trust, and asked Him to see me thorough my problem. I looked at my key and knew that God was indeed the key to resolving all of our challenges…and with that faith, and God’s love and mercy, that key started my truck, allowing me to safely drive home. He was there for me, and He’ll be there for you.

If you are fearful regarding the end times, you must keep learning about the ways that God can comfort you. Pray to know. When you get stuck thinking about something that continues to make you fearful, pray to have God teach you about this, and how you can not be afraid of ANYTHING that is to come.

This is your answer. Pray for strength, pray for courage, pray to know that God will hold your hand through any hardship that will come. If this doesn’t work, do it again, and again, and again, until the fear leaves you. This is our assignment from Him to prepare for the end times…so… “Get after it!”

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”
— Psalm 23:4, KJV

This powerful verse expresses unwavering trust in God’s presence and protection, even in the darkest and most dangerous times. This is a promise to YOU. I invite you to absorb its spiritual meaning.

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May you Trust God to be with you today, and always. Much Love and Prayers headed your way.

River Wilde